Excellent choice! Crockpot Christmas Crack is one of the easiest and most addictive holiday treats you’ll ever make. It’s a simple, layered candy made with saltines, butter, brown sugar, chocolate, and toppings, all prepared right in the slow cooker. It’s called “crack” because it’s incredibly moreish!
Here’s your definitive guide to making this famous treat.
Why Make Christmas Crack in a Crockpot?
· Hands-Off: No need to babysit a pot of boiling sugar on the stove. The slow cooker does the work gently and evenly.
· Foolproof: Drastically reduces the risk of burning the caramel layer.
· Easy Cleanup: Line your crockpot with foil or a liner for virtually no cleanup.
Classic Crockpot Christmas Crack Recipe
This recipe makes a full batch perfect for gifting or parties.
Ingredients
· 1 sleeve (about 35-40) saltine crackers
· 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into slices
· 1 cup packed light brown sugar
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· 2 cups (12 oz bag) semi-sweet chocolate chips
· 1 cup chopped nuts, sprinkles, or other toppings (optional) – Pecans, walnuts, or toffee bits are classic. Festive sprinkles make it extra holiday-themed!
· Flaky sea salt (optional, for finishing)
Equipment
· 4-Quart or larger Slow Cooker (A 6-quart works perfectly)
· Aluminum foil or a slow cooker liner
· Parchment paper for cooling
Instructions
- Line the Crockpot: Thoroughly line your slow cooker with heavy-duty aluminum foil, pressing it to fit the shape, or use a slow cooker liner. This is critical for easy removal!
- Create the Cracker Layer: Arrange the saltine crackers in a single, even layer on the bottom of the crockpot, breaking them as needed to fill in any gaps.
- Add Butter and Sugar: Evenly distribute the slices of butter over the crackers. Then, sprinkle the packed brown sugar evenly over the top.
- Slow Cook: Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 2 to 2.5 hours. DO NOT STIR. The butter and sugar will melt together and bubble around the crackers, creating the caramel layer.
- Add Chocolate: After the cooking time is up, the caramel will be bubbly. Turn off the crockpot and carefully sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top. Place the lid back on and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the residual heat to melt the chocolate.
- Spread the Chocolate: Once the chocolate chips are soft, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the chocolate into an even layer.
- Add Toppings: Immediately sprinkle with your chosen toppings (nuts, sprinkles) and a pinch of flaky sea salt if desired.
- Cool Completely: Carefully lift the foil or liner out of the crockpot and place the entire slab of crack on a baking sheet or cutting board. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature until the chocolate is set. For a faster set, you can place it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
- Break and Serve: Once fully cooled and firm, break the crack into irregular pieces by hand. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Crack
· Don’t Stir! This is the most important rule. Stirring will disrupt the cracker layer and make the caramel grainy.
· Crockpot Size: A 4 to 6-quart slow cooker is ideal. If using a much larger one (like an 8-quart), you may need to double the recipe to ensure the caramel properly covers the crackers.
· Testing for Doneness: After 2 hours, the caramel should be bubbling actively. The crackers on the very edge might look a little darker—this is normal and means it’s ready.
· Chocolate Choices: Feel free to use milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or even a combination of white and dark chocolate swirled together.
· Preventing Stickiness: If your kitchen is warm or humid, storing the finished crack in the refrigerator will keep it from getting sticky.
Fun Flavor Variations
· Ritz Cracker Version: Use Ritz crackers instead of saltines for a richer, buttery flavor.
· Graham Cracker Version: Use graham crackers for a s’mores-like flavor.
· Peppermint Twist: Use 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chips and ½ cup white chocolate chips. Top with crushed candy canes for a festive peppermint bark flavor.
· Salted Nut: Use pretzels instead of some of the saltines for a sweet and salty crunch.
Common Questions (FAQ)
Why is my caramel layer grainy or sugary?
This usually happens if the mixture is stirred during cooking or if the heat was too low, not allowing the sugar to fully dissolve into the butter. Trust the process and cook on HIGH without stirring.
Can I make this in the oven instead?
Absolutely! The traditional method is to bake it in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until bubbly. The crockpot method is just a more hands-off, gentle approach.
How long does Christmas Crack last?
Stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh and crispy for up to 2 weeks at room temperature, or 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. You may need to add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time.
Enjoy making and sharing this incredibly easy and delicious holiday treat